The mother of a teenage boy who accused Michael Jackson of
sexual abuse during a 2005 trial and whose own credibility on the witness
stand was destroyed when she took the fifth, has entered a no contest plea
to welfare fraud in Los Angeles. Janet Arvizo has agreed to repay more than
$8,600 as part of a plea deal.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Barbara Johnson ordered Arvizo to make restitution and serve 150 hours of community service. Her welfare fraud charges will be reduced to a misdemeanor if she pays the restitution and serves the community service by April 27, 2007.
Arvizo told the judge she plans to move to Georgia later this year. She was ordered to complete her community service in Georgia.
Pop singer Michael Jackson was acquitted of all charges related to the sexual assault accusations made by the young teen after a lengthy, highly publicized trial. Arvizo testified that she was forbidden to leave Neverland Ranch and that she was intimidated by Jackson's bodyguards.
When asked about her welfare assistance, she refused to answer, citing her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. She was charged with welfare fraud shortly after the trial ended.
See Also:
Mom of Michael Jackson Accuser Admits Welfare Fraud
Earlier Article:
Jackson Accuser's Mom to
Face Fraud Trial
Michael Jackson Accuser's
Mom Faces Fraud Charges
Background:
The Michael Jackson Case
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